Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Classic Chocolate Cake for Every Occasion
- The Secret to a Moist and Rich Chocolate Cake
- Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake
- Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This old-fashioned chocolate cake recipe is rich, moist, and easy to make, perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a homemade cake that’s as good as any bakery. Learn how to keep it moist, enhance its flavor, and store it properly.

Introduction: A Classic Chocolate Cake for Every Occasion
Few desserts are as timeless and beloved as a classic homemade chocolate cake. This old-fashioned chocolate cake recipe, featured on Betty Cooks, brings back memories of family gatherings, special celebrations, and the simple joy of baking. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you crave something sweet, this recipe delivers a moist, rich, and chocolatey delight that never goes out of style.

The Secret to a Moist and Rich Chocolate Cake
The key to achieving the perfect chocolate cake lies in the balance of ingredients and baking techniques. Using buttermilk and a touch of boiling water (or hot coffee for an extra depth of flavor) ensures that every bite is soft, tender, and bursting with deep cocoa goodness. This homemade chocolate cake is made with simple pantry staples, yet it delivers an unbeatable flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients – just classic baking essentials.
- Perfectly Moist: The combination of buttermilk and hot liquid makes this cake extra soft and fluffy.
- Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe that even beginner bakers can master.
- Rich and Decadent: A deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with your favorite frosting.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
While this chocolate cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with a luscious frosting takes it to the next level. A silky chocolate ganache, a creamy buttercream, or a tangy cream cheese frosting all work wonderfully. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence. Whether served warm or chilled, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Want to enjoy this homemade chocolate cake later? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a freshly baked taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking a homemade chocolate cake from scratch. This old-fashioned chocolate cake, shared by Betty Cooks, captures the essence of traditional baking while being easy enough for any home cook. Whether for a special celebration or a simple treat, this chocolate cake recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.


Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly add boiling water while stirring. The batter will be thin.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
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